Security Resource

Telguard HomeControl, a cloud-based security and home automation service based on technology from iControl, is now available for the GoControl system from 2Gig by Linear.

2Gig previously was only compatible with Alarm.com for interactive services including remote home monitoring, Z-Wave and IP-based automation, integrated video cameras and more.

Telguard HomeControl today lacks the richness of Alarm.com in terms of supported devices, geo-fencing and other services but “when it comes down to what people are buying, when you think about the security business, a simpler feature set can be a better thing,” says Shawn Welsh, vice president of marketing and business development for Telguard’s parent company Telular.

Telular is a leading provider of cellular radios and services for alarm communications. Its radios will be embedded in the Telguard-compatible 2Gig panels.

Welsh says that HomeControl pricing for dealers will be based on volume, including both Telular radios and the home automation service, so the savings can quickly add up.

At launch, the dealer cost for these tiered services — known as Connect (cellular communications), Interact (sensors and notifications), Control (Z-Wave and other automation) and View (up to 10 cameras with 500 MB of storage) — is less than Alarm.com.

“It’s very simple pricing,” Welsh says. “There are low to no activations fees and no minimum.”

Welsh says that about 5,000 security dealers use Telular services regularly, “but some haven’t done interactivity. Some are not happy with existing providers.”

For those traditional dealers, Welsh believes they will launch their home automation and interactivity businesses with Telguard HomeControl, especially given the volume discounts that will factor in their cellular purchases.

There are a few related developments. First, Telguard HomeControl has taken over the DSC Connect24 interactive services, formerly offered directly from iControl.

As with Telguard and Alarm.com, Uplink Remote services will include event notifications to end-users, viewing of live or recorded video, and smart-phone control of the alarm system, thermostats, lighting, locks and other home control features.

The rollout for that initiative has not been announced.

“Alarm.com has been and will remain a critical partner for 2Gig,” says Duane Paulson, senior vice president of product & market development. “They set the bar for interactive security services and continue to push the boundaries with features such as geo-services. Some 2Gig customers pushed for choice so a decision was made by the 2Gig team over a year ago to offer customers that choice.”

Julie Jacobson is Editor-at-large for CE Promagazine. Follow her on Twitter @juliejacobson.